Barker Mill Foundation donates £24,000 to Breast Cancer Haven Wessex to retain vital Information and Support Officer role

 The Breast Cancer Haven, Wessex will be able to fund the post of Information and Support Officer until December 2020 thanks to a generous donation of £24,000 from the Barker Mill Foundation. Breast Cancer Haven Wessex has supported over 1500 women through its Titchfield centre since 2015.

The purpose of the Information and Support Officer is to provide essential information and emotional support to those affected by breast cancer. The donation by the Barker Mill Foundation ensures that there will be someone in the role at the Titchfield centre for the next 12 months to provide a single point of contact for essential and practical information and advice.

Charlene Smith, Head of Institutional Giving at Breast Cancer Haven was thrilled to receive news of the donation: “We are eternally grateful to the Barker Mill foundation’s continuing support. Their latest donation will make such a difference to the visitors who use our Titchfield centre. A breast cancer diagnosis, the treatment and recovery can be hugely daunting, not just for the affected individual but the whole family.

“The challenges faced are gruelling, emotionally, physically and financially. At Breast Cancer Haven, Wessex we hope to alleviate some of the anxiety and concern and help each individual navigate their circumstances with tailored support, providing the right information and advice at every stage of their treatment and beyond. The funding for this role will make a significant difference to all our visitors, women and men, who are diagnosed with breast cancer, however complex their needs.”

The role of the Information and Support Officer is also a key link between Breast Cancer Haven, Wessex and external medical practitioners and the wider medical community across the region. By building contacts and relationships that can facilitate the development of the service, the charity can raise awareness and create outreach opportunities which facilitates their aim to reach more of those affected by breast cancer and brings their essential programme of support out in to the communities in the region.

Tim Jobling, Trustee of BMF said: “We have long been advocates of the work of Breast Cancer Haven, Wessex, which is vital to those experiencing what will most likely be one of the toughest times of their life. The Barker Mill Foundation is delighted to once again be able to fund the role of Information and Support Officer, which is pivotal to ensure the support to those in need is given by the charity.”

To find out more about Breast Cancer Haven visit: https://www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk/